The Mozambican government has projected an average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent when gas-related income is included, according to its economic goals for the 2025-2029 period. The five-year program, presented to parliament by Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levi on Thursday, forecasts a drop in the growth rate to 4 percent when revenues from natural gas are excluded. Annual per capita income is expected to increase modestly, from 662 U.S. dollars to 736.60 dollars, marking an overall rise of 11.3 percent, or an average growth of 2.26 percent per year. Inflation is projected to remain stable, with an annual average around 4.5 percent. Significant improvements in access to basic services are also planned. The share of the population with access to electricity is projected to grow from 60.1 percent to 88 percent, while access to healthcare would rise slightly from 70.2 percent to 73 percent. Targets include the construction of 7,440 km of power transmission lines, 3,492 classrooms for primary education, 14 district hospitals, and 1,766 rural water supply systems. In employment, the government aims to reduce the national unemployment rate from 18.4 percent to 14.7 percent. In education, the number of students per teacher is expected to drop from 68.1 to 55. However, Levi cautioned that these goals depend heavily on national peace and security. Progress is only possible if we maintain peace, public order, and stability, she stressed, describing them as fundamental to inclusive socio-economic development.
